Weapons Carry License
Georgia's Constitution protects the right to bear arms but this does not mean everyone may carry a gun, or that guns may be carried everywhere. Georgia requires a license to openly carry a weapon, or to carry a concealed weapon on (or near) your body. The Haralson County Probate Court issues firearms licenses to county residents 21 and older.
A license to carry authorizes a person to carry a handgun openly or in certain concealed positions. These include:
- In a shoulder or waist belt holster
- Hip grip, or similar device
- Handbag or purse
- Attaché case, briefcase, or other closed container
To apply for a Weapons Carry License, you must be 21 years old or older and you must be a legal resident of Haralson County. Military personnel 18-20 years old may apply for a weapons carry license with verification that they have completed basic training, they are actively serving in the armed forces of the United States or that they have been honorably discharged from service.
Proof of residency is required and the Probate Court will accept your driver's license if it has your correct Haralson County address. Haralson County will ONLY accept a valid Georgia Drivers License or State Issued ID as proof of residency. No other alternate forms of proof of address are accepted here.
Foreign nationals must have INS resident card. If you are a naturalized US citizen, you should bring your naturalization papers.
Once the application process is complete at the Probate Court, all applicants will get fingerprinted at the Sheriff’s Office. These Fingerprint Cards will be sent to the FBI and GCIC.
Requirements - All Applicants
- Must be 21 years of age
- Must be a resident of Haralson County
- Must present a picture identification including applicant's physical address
- Must be prepared to be photographed without hat or glasses
Renewal Applicants
To keep your permit current, you must apply for a new permit every five years. Please bring your current permit along with your valid driver's license to the Haralson County Probate Court. Your driver's license should reflect your correct Haralson County address. If it does not show your correct address, please contact our office for additional information.
If you have a current Gun Permit, you may come in 90 days before your expiration date but no later than 30 days after your expiration date to renew your Gun Permit at a reduced fee (see below for fees).
Applicants can expect to receive their licenses in approximately two to four weeks unless something comes back on their background check.
Fees
The Probate Court accepts cash and checks only.
- Probate Court Fee (required fee for both new and renewal applications) $30.00
- Sheriff's Office Fingerprint Fee for New Applicant - $54.75
- Sheriff's Office Fee for Renewal Applicant - $15.00
- Replacement permits cost $5.00
Replacement Permits
To request a replacement permit, you will be required to provide your Driver's License. You will fill out an affidavit explaining what happened to your permit, (ex. lost, stolen). The fee for a replacement permit is $5.00. The replacement license will be the same type license it is replacing. For example, if the license you lost was the older laminated style, that is the replacement you will receive. For further questions, please speak with a vital records clerk.
Reciprocity
Georgia firearms permit holders should familiarize themselves with the individual requirements and limitations on firearms permits in any of the reciprocating states where they wish to exercise their rights under this reciprocity program. Georgia currently reciprocates in recognizing firearms licenses with the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The following link includes the latest updates to Georgia's Firearm Permit Reciprocity found on the Georgia Attorney General's Office website.
A non-resident of Georgia to whom ha firearm license has been issued by a state listed above may carry a firearm while in Georgia in accordance with Georgia law. A person who is not among those enumerated as ineligible for a firearm license under O.C.G.A. Section 16-11-129 is not forbidden from transporting a loaded firearm in any private passenger motor vehicle.
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